The Best Cheap Headphones and Earbuds, Tested by Audio Experts

What you need to know: Wired earbuds have made a comeback, and the Apple EarPods are some of the coolest you’ll find. They plug directly into a USB-C port, so there’s no pairing or charging to fuss with, and the built-in remote lets you adjust volume, control playback, and answer calls. Plus, they’re significantly cheaper than wireless AirPods.

Why we like them: “These have solid bass response for headphones this cheap, and they’re also a cult style item,” said GH Data & Product Operations Manager Nikolas Greenwald. They’re a straightforward option for listening to music and taking calls on compatible devices, and testers love their open-ear design even though it doesn’t seal off outside noise like in-ear buds with silicone tips would. “I like them not only because of the way they sound, but the way they fit into your ears,” said Greenwald. Testers do warn, though, that the wire can get tangled or caught when you’re on the go.

What you need to know: At roughly $20, it’s hard to find wireless earbuds at a better deal. Anker products have historically performed well in GH tests, and we like that this pair packs several useful features, including app-based customization, 22 preset EQs, and a compact charging case with a lanyard. The case and earbuds offer up to 30 hours of claimed total playtime, and an IPX5 water-resistance rating makes them suitable for workouts and rainy commutes.

Why we like them: Our experts appreciate that Soundcore’s app lets you adjust the sound to your liking, while two built-in microphones make these suitable for calls. Just note that they don’t have active noise cancellation, so they won’t quiet surrounding sounds like more feature-rich models.

What you need to know: Inexpensive, compact, and wireless—what more do you need? These earbuds come with useful extras, like a compact case with an integrated ring for clipping onto a bag or keys, as well as up to 28 hours of claimed total playtime with the case. They’re also IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, making them a handy option for workouts and rainy commutes.

Why we like them: According to Greenwald, these performed reasonably well in Lab tests considering their low price point. Although he didn’t find them to be the most comfortable pair, he appreciates their wireless design, multipoint pairing, a stay-aware mode, and EQ presets through the Skullcandy app. Plus, a 10-minute rapid charge provides up to two hours of playtime.

What you need to know: Available in four shades, these earbuds come with active noise cancellation and multipoint connection, making these earbuds versatile for commuting, calls, and everyday listening. They’re rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, and offer up to 40 hours of claimed total playtime with ANC off.

Why we like them: You get a lot of useful features for the price, including multipoint connection for switching between two Bluetooth devices and four microphones for clearer calls. The JBL Headphones app lets you choose or customize an EQ, and a 10-minute charge provides up to three hours of playtime. Just keep in mind that battery life drops to up to eight hours per charge with ANC on, which should suffice for most listeners.

What you need to know: You don’t have to pay a premium for comfortable, over-ear headphones. This model from CMF includes a feature set that’s unusual for the price, including active noise cancellation and up to 100 hours of claimed battery life with ANC off. They also work wirelessly or with a 3.5 mm cable and support multipoint pairing, so you can connect to two devices at once.

Why we like them: “These look really cool,” said Greenwald, who also found them comfortable and relatively lightweight. He also liked the tactile controls, including a scroll wheel for volume control and a dedicated bass control slider. The interchangeable ear cushions add a welcome touch of personalization and can help extend the headphones’ style life, but what really impressed him is the claimed 100-plus-hour battery life.

If you’re looking for a wireless pick with noise cancellation, our experts also recommend the Nothing Ear 3a.

What you need to know: These retro-style on-ear headphones fold up for easy carrying and use an open-air design that lets you hear your surroundings. Their lightweight frame and adjustable temporal pads are designed to relieve pressure around the ears, while the wired connection means there’s no battery to charge.

Why we like them: Greenwald isn’t the only one obsessed with how trendy these are. I also loved their old-school vibe. “They’re somewhere between a utilitarian headphone and a style item,” he said. On top of being incredibly stylish and very comfortable on the ears, they’re super lightweight and barely noticeable on your head. The ear cushions are interchangeable and available in several colors, and their mobility adds to the comfort. Greenwald also liked the audio quality for the price, calling them a good fit for casual listening on a commute or as an accessory for a night out. He did notice some low-end distortion, though, and said the sound isn’t customizable. They also don’t feature built-in mics, so you can’t use them to make calls.

For a wireless version, consider the Koss Porta Pro Wireless.